Rules and Regulations

High Score Rules & Specifications

Effective 12/1/2025

  1. The NJPHA High Score Awards year will run from December 1 through November 30, concurrent with USEF/USHJA year.
  2. Subscription Fees: The fee for the first NJPHA class will be $50. Fee for each additional NJPHA class will be $5 per class to a maximum of $100 per show. Classes may be paid through PayPal either in advance of show or when results are submitted. PAYMENTS AND RESULTS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF THE SHOW DATE or the show will be found “not in good standing” (see 2B). No points will be posted until payment is received. For shows held within the last two weeks of November payments and results must be received within 72 hours. Points must be reported electronically.
    1. After initial Ten (10) day period and a show has not satisfied their fees to the NJPHA, the show will be found to be “not in good standing” a notice reflecting that determination will be posted on our website; NJPHA.net, and our social media pages. At this point horse show management will be given a 45 day grace period in which to bring the show account current. During the 45 day grace period any other shows held by show management found to be “not in good standing” will be unable to offer valid NJPHA points. A notice reflecting this will be posted on our website and our social media pages.
    2. After the 45 day grace period has passed (59 days from the show date) if payment/results have not been received the show will remain “not in good standing” and will be barred from offering NJPHA points for the remainder of the show year. A final notice of determination will be posted on our website and our social media pages.
    3. Any show or show management affected by rule 2B who fulfills their financial responsibility to the NJPHA will be permitted to run NJPHA points in the next show year on a prepaid basis.
  3. High Score Awards classes may ONLY be offered at horse shows held In New Jersey.
  4. All NJPHA classes MUST be judged by a current USEF member.
  5. It is required that specifications for the NJPHA High Score Awards be available the day of the show with the show secretary and online at NJPHA.net.
  6. Any violation(s) of the NJPHA High Score Awards rules and specifications in the offering and running of said classes will be considered the FAULT OF THE HORSE SHOW, not the NJPHA. The NJPHA reserves the right to make final decisions relating to the interpretation & adjudication of the High Score.
  7. In order for horses and ponies to accrue NJPHA High Score Award points in performance classes, THE OWNERS AND AS WELL AS RIDERS of the horse or pony MUST BE NJPHA MEMBERS. Horses and ponies must be recorded with the NJPHA to accrue performance points. In cases of multiple ownership of a horse or pony, at least one owner of record must be a member for points to accrue.
  8. In order for an equitation rider (junior or adult amateur) to accrue NJPHA High Score Awards points, they must be an NJPHA member.
  9. If a horse or pony is shown under a stable or farm name, the stable or farm must be registered with the High Score Awards program. In order for the farm or stable to be registered a farm representative must be a current NJPHA member.
    • Farm Registration (one time fee) $50
    • Professional Member (annual) $55
    • Associate Member (annual) $40
    • Junior or Adult Amateur High Score $35
  10. Membership becomes effective upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate fees received by the NJPHA. No points will be accrued before effective date of membership.
  11. A transfer of ownership for an already recorded horse or pony must be reported to the NJPHA for performance points to be transferred to the new owner. New owner must be a NJPHA member for points to transfer.
  12. In order for the NJPHA High Score Awards trophy & ribbons to be awarded, the classes must have been run a minimum of six (6) times during the year, under at least three (3) different judges. A competitor must compete at least three (3) times during the year in any one class to receive a High Score Award. All NJPHA High Score awards presented at the annual High Score dinner will receive ribbons and prizes to sixth. Members receiving awards who are unable to attend the annual dinner are required to make arrangements for their award to be picked up for them at the dinner or forfeit their award.
    1. The NJPHA reserves the right to combine, split or cancel high score awards if there are deemed not to be enough members accumulating points.
  13. Three (3) entries are needed to consider a class official. In ALL classes, three (3) entries must complete the class/course. If not otherwise stated, the last over fences class will be designated as the NJPHA class.
  14. NJPHA points will be awarded as follows based on the number completing the class/course:
    # of entries 3 • MODIFIED (5 – 1st) (3 – 2nd) (2 – 3rd)
    # of entries 4-8 • REGULAR (7 – 1st) (5- 2nd) (4- 3rd) (3 – 4th) (2 – 5th) (1 – 6th)
    # of entries 9-15 • DOUBLE (14 – 1st) (10- 2nd) (8- 3rd) (6 – 4th) (4 – 5th) (2 – 6th)
    # of entries 16-25 • TRIPLE (21 – 1st) (15- 2nd) (12- 3rd) (9 – 4th) (6- 5th) (3- 6th)
    # of entries 25+ • QUADRUPLE (28 – 1st) (20- 2nd) (16- 3rd) (12 – 4th) (8- 5th) (4- 6th)
  15. During the show year, only a competitor’s forty (40) best shows will count toward a High Score Award. Anyone showing in more than forty (40) shows will have their lowest point show totals deleted. Any competitor who shows more than ten (10) times at any one horse show facility (i.e. Sussex County Fairgrounds, NJ Horse Park) will have only their ten (10) highest points totals count toward a High Score Award. You may continue to show at these locations & try to improve your lowest point total show.
  16. Every class offered herein which is covered by the rules & specifications of the current USEF rule book will be conducted & judged in accordance therewith.
  17. If two (2) divisions at any one show have the same name, the NJPHA will only accept points from ONE division. If both divisions list a class as the NJPHA class, the NJPHA will take Points from the non-Outreach/USEF recognized ring.
  18. The age of the rider will conform to the current USEF rule.
  19. Anyone found to have misrepresented themselves; i.e. the rider’s age, the rider’s competitive level, the horse’s competitive level, the horse’s size as in small/medium/large etc., or any similar offense, will forfeit ALL points earned FROM THE DATE OF THE INFRACTION OF THE RULE IN THAT CLASS. This applies regardless of whether the misrepresentation was intended or not. Thereafter points will be awarded in the correct division ONLY. Points may not be carried from one division to another. A second offense by the same member will be referred to the Ethics Committee & Board of Directors of the NJPHA for further disciplinary action. ALL INFRACTIONS/PROTESTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE NJPHA IN WRITING AND SENT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE at THENJPHA@GMAIL.COM.
  20. Certain NJPHA classes, by definition, have restrictions and/or limitations. Anyone who participates in the NJPHA High Score Awards program is bound by the definitions with their restrictions and/or limitations. All prior horse show experience of the NJPHA High Score Award member & his or her horse or pony at any horse show open to the public and/or sanctioned by the NJPHA will be used to determine the eligibility of the member & the horse or pony.
  21. NJPHA members agree to submit to binding arbitration any or all disputes they might have with the NJPHA or with any other member, arising out of the NJPHA High Score Awards Program, or touching or concerning the program in any manner whatsoever. All disputes shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association for resolution, or to any other arbitrator upon which the parties mutually agree. Each party shall bear their own costs in the arbitration process.
  22. If any NJPHA member shall bring legal action against the NJPHA arising out of the NJPHA High Score Awards Program or touching or concerning the program in any manner whatsoever, & if that member does not prevail in the legal action, then that member shall be liable for the legal fees, costs & expenses incurred by the NJPHA defending against the action. If the member prevails in part & does not prevail in part in the legal action, then the member shall be liable for a pro-rata portion of the NJPHA’s legal fees, costs & expenses incurred in defending against the actions. This fee shifting provision applies regardless of whether the legal action is prosecuted to judgment or settled prior to the judgment.
  23. In case of a dispute/protest concerning the height of the horse/pony, owner provide a valid USEF measurement card.
  24. A horse or rider may accrue points in only ONE section of any split NJPHA sectioned High Score class at any one horse show. BOTH sections MUST be offered at each show for High Score points to count.
  25. The NJPHA will only accept points from classes that are correctly named in the prize list and run in accordance with the NJPHA specifications.
  26. For NJPHA points to count, the class must be listed in the prize list, and cannot be added on the day of the horse show. Classes may be added prior to the show upon notification to the NJPHA via email at thenjpha@gmail.com and notification on said management’s social media, website, horseshowing.com, and/or any other sites the prize list/schedule are posted.
  27. Membership in the NJPHA High Score Awards Program is a privilege not a right & the NJPHA reserves the right to decline membership to any party.
  28. CALENDER
    1. All shows offering NJPHA High Score Award classes must be listed and/or advertised on websites and social media so all NJPHA High Score members are aware of and have the opportunity to compete at said show.
    2. A show date can be changed due to unforeseen circumstances as long as the change of date is listed and advertised as in 29A.
    3. NJPHA dates will shift with the USEF calendar.
    4. USEF licensed shows will be able to change show dates as allowed by USEF.
  29. Any point discrepancies for shows held from December 1st to May 31st MUST be brought to the attention of the High Score Point Secretary by June 15th. No High Score points will be changed after this date except points affected by Rule 18, Infractions.
  30. Any point discrepancies for shows held from June 1st to November 30th MUST be brought to the attention of the High Score Point Secretary by December 15th. No High Score points will be changed after this date except points affected by Rule 18, Infractions.

Divisions

Hunters

NJPHA Mini Stirrup Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by children 10 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required. Once a rider competes in any class or division other than Mini Stirrup or Walk-Trot Equitation or Hunter, they are no longer eligible for Mini Stirrup Divisions. Crossrails or verticals at or < 18″.

NJPHA Short Stirrup Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by children 12 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. To be shown over a course LESS THAN 2’ in height. To be judged on manners, performance & suitability. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class at any competition where fences are 2’ or higher, doing so will make the rider ineligible for Short Stirrup divisions. This division may be combined with Beginner Hunter, if entries warrant.
NJPHA Beginner Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by riders of ANY age. Fences LESS THAN 2’ in height. Section A: Rider may not have shown in a division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. Section B: Horse or pony not to have shown in a division, at any show, where fence height specifications are 2’ or higher doing so will make that rider ineligible for Beginner Sections. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class at any competition where fences are 2’ or higher, doing so will make the rider ineligible for Beginner divisions This division may be combined with Short Stirrup Hunter, if entries warrant. TROTTING ANYWHERE ON COURSE NOT TO BE PENALIZED ALTHOUGH AN UNINTENTIONAL BREAK OF GATE WILL BE PENALIZED.

NJPHA Low Adult Amateur Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by an adult amateur exhibitor. USEF Zone 2 specifications will be used. To be shown over a course of fences 2’6” in height. Riders may not cross enter into any class or division with fences 3’ or higher at the same competition. If there are fewer than three entries, the class may be combined with NJPHA Low Children’s Hunter Horse and/or NJPHA Low Children’s Pony. Points will be counted towards the respective High Score Awards.

NJPHA Low Children’s Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by junior riders as of December 1st of the current show year. USEF Zone 2 specifications will be used. Fences 2’ for ponies. Fences 2’6” for horses. Riders may not cross enter into Children’s Hunter horse or pony, Pony Hunter, or any class at the same competition where the fences exceed 2’6” for horses and 2’ for ponies. If there are fewer than three (3) horses & three (3) ponies the class may be combined with Low Adult Amateur Hunter to form a Low Children’s/ Low Adult Amateur Hunter class. Horse & Pony points will be counted towards the respective High Score Awards.

NJPHA Adult Amateur Hunter

H.J. “Duke” Ellington Perpetual Memorial Challenge Trophy donated by the Friends of Spring Tree Farm to be awarded to the Adult Amateur Hunter with the greatest number of points at the end of the year.

To be shown by Adult Amateur riders who possess a valid current USEF Amateur Card on horses or ponies. Suitability to count. USEF Zone 2 specifications will be used. Fences at 3’. If there are fewer than three entries, the class may be combined with NJPHA Children’s Horse Hunters and/or NJPHA Children’s Pony Hunters.

NJPHA Suitable Hunter

Open to horses & ponies. To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. Fences 2’9” OR 3’. Class may be run with any open 2’ to 3’ hunter division. This class may be combined with NJPHA Hopeful Hunters and NJPHA Schooling hunters. When combined, points will go to the respective class.

NJPHA Children’s Hunter

Kabuki Dancer Memorial Trophy
donated by Carol Hoffman Thompson

Open to junior Riders. USEF Zone 2 specifications will be used. Fences 3’ for horses, 2’6” for large ponies, 2’ for small/medium ponies. NJPHA Children’s Hunters classes may be combined or split as entries warrant. Points will count towards the respective High Score Award if points support splitting this class at year end for a high score Children’s Horse award and a high score Children’s pony award.

NJPHA Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter

(This Award will not be offered in the 2026 Show season)

To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. To be shown over a course with fence height at 3’6”. This class may be offered as two (2) separate classes provided here are three (3) entries in each section. Both Junior and Amateur Owner Hunter must be offered at the show for points to count. All points to count toward one High Score Award. Points accepted from 3’3” &/or 3’6” sections, but horses may only accrue points once at any horse show. If entries warrant there MAY be two High Score Awards presented.

NJPHA Hopeful Hunter

sponsored by ANIMAL BODY WORK

Open to horses and ponies. To be judged on performance and soundness with emphasis on manners. Section A. Fences less than 2 feet. Section B. Fences at 2’3”. Class may be run with any open 2’ to 3’ hunter division This division may be combined with NJPHA Schooling or NJPHA Suitable Hunter division’s and run at separate heights. When combined, points will go to the respective section.

NJPHA Schooling Hunter

Open to horses & ponies. To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. Class may be run with any open 2’ to 3’ division. This class may be combined with NJPHA Hopeful Hunters and NJPHA Suitable Hunters. When combined, points will go the respective class. Fences 2’6”

NJPHA Pleasure Horse or Pony
To be shown in English tack at a walk, trot, canter both ways of the ring. To be judged on performance & soundness with emphasis on manners. No martingales permitted. The class may be split into two (2) separate Sections (horses & ponies) provided there are three (3) in each section. All points to count toward one High Score Award.
NJPHA Hunter Derby

Sponsored by Friends & Family of Teresa Conte

This class may be offered at any NJPHA pointed show. Horse shows may offer more than one Derby reflecting the jump height of each of the NJPHA pointed classes offered in the High Score Program (<2’/2’/2’3″/2’6″/2’9″/3′). The NJPHA Derby may be combined with another Derby run under the same specifications. Horses may only compete in one NJPHA pointed Derby per show. A horse or rider may only compete in classes/sections not to exceed 3” higher than the maximum height of the entered Derby. One rider per horse. Owner of the horse, and rider must be a current NJPHA member, and the horse must be registered with the NJPHA in order to accrue points for the High Score Program. No prize money restrictions.

Equitation

NJPHA New Rider Equitation Walk/Trot Figure 8

Sponsored by Voight Farms

Open to riders of any age. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required, at that time, rider is no longer eligible for New Rider Equitation. May be combined with NJPHA Mini Stirrup Walk/Trot Figure 8 if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section.

NJPHA Mini Stirrup Walk/Trot Figure 8

Open to junior riders 10 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required, at that time, rider is no longer eligible for MINI Stirrup Divisions. May be combined with NJPHA New Rider Walk/Trot Figure 8 if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section.

NJPHA Short Stirrup Equitation
Open to junior riders 12 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may never have shown in any division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. To be shown over a course LESS THAN 2’ in height. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class where fence heights are 2’ or higher, at that time, rider will no longer be eligible for Short Stirrup Divisions. Division may be combined with Beginner Hunter if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section.
NJPHA Beginner Equitation
Open to riders of any age who have not shown in a division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class where fence height specs are 2’ or higher, rider will no longer be eligible for Beginner Divisions. This division may be combined with Short Stirrup Equitation, if entries warrant. TROTTING ON COURSE NOT TO BE PENALIZED, ALTHOUGH AN UNINTENTIONAL BREAK OF GATE WILL BE PENALIZED.
NJPHA Modified Rider
Open to juniors and amateur riders on horses or ponies. Riders to show over a simple course with fence height 2’3”. Riders not to have shown in a class or division where fence height specs are 2’6” or higher. Exhibitors cannot cross enter into any other class/division where fence height exceeds 2’3” at the same competition. Riders who have competed in a rated division which includes Pre Children’s and Low Adult in the past showyear are not eligible to compete in this class. This class may be combined with any other division with equivalent specifications.
NJPHA Low Children’s Medal

Open to junior riders as of December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over a course of eight (8) fences, with at least one change of direction. Fences 2’ for ponies. Fences 2’6” for horses. Riders may not cross enter into Children’s Hunter horse or pony, Pony Hunter or any class at the same competition where fences exceed 2’6” for horses and 2’ for ponies. Low Children’s Medal and Low Adult Medal may be combined if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section. Low Children’s and Low Adult Medals may be combined with Marshall & Sterling Medals. If a show offers and runs a NJPHA Low Children’s Medal in Low Children’s Equitation division and a Marshall & Sterling Medal also designated as NJPHA, points will only be awarded in one designated NJPHA class and the class in the division will take preference.

NJPHA Low Adult Medal

Open to adult amateur riders. To be shown over a course of fences not to exceed 2’6”. Riders may not cross enter into any class or division with fences 3’ or higher. Low Adult Medal and Low Children’s Medal may be combined if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section. Low Adult and Low Children’s Medals may be combined with Marshall & Sterling Medals. If a show offers and runs a NJPHA Low Adult Medal in Low Adult Equitation division and a Marshall & Sterling Medal also designated as NJPHA, points will only be awarded in one designated NJPHA class and the class in the division will take preference.

NJPHA Junior/Adult Amateur Medal

(Newly offered beginning in the 2026 Show Season)

Open to all Junior and Adult Amateur riders on horses. Points for this year end award may be accumulated from any equitation class with fences at 2’9”-3’, including but not limited to the following classes: NJHSA or NJPHA Junior/Adult Amateur Medal, M&S Children and Adult Medal, THIS Medal and Ariat Adult Medal. Junior riders may not have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. If any medal class is combined with a class that includes ponies, points for ponies will be counted as Pony Medal. This class may be split into Junior Medal and Adult Amateur Medal for year end awards if participation warrants.

NJPHA Junior Medal

(New Specifications for the 2026 show year)

Open to junior riders. Fence height 3’. Riders may not have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over at least eight (8) fences at 3’ in height with at least one change of direction, a spread, and combination. May be combined with other 2’9”-3’ equitation classes as described above in the NJPHA Junior/Adult Amateur Medal specifications. One rider per horse. Junior medal may be combined with the Adult Amateur Medal for the NJPHA High Score Year End Award if there is not enough membership participation. See NJPHA Junior/Adult Amateur Medal Specifications. 

NJPHA Adult Medal

(New Specifications for the 2026 show year)

Open to all adult amateurs. To be shown over a minimum of eight (8) fences at at 3’ with at least 1 change of direction. Adult Amateur medal may be combined with the Junior medal for the NJPHA High Score Year End Award if there is not enough membership participation. See NJPHA Junior/Adult Amateur Medal specifications.

NJPHA Pony Medal

Open to junior riders who have NOT have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over a course of eight (8) fences, with at least one change of direction. Fences 2’ for Sm/Med ponies. Fences 2’6” for Large ponies. May be combined with Marshall & Sterling Pony Medal.

NJPHA Children’s Equitation

(This award will not be offered in the 2026 Show season)

Allegra Memorial Challenge Trophy
donated by Joyce Marigliano/Marigliano Associates

Open to junior riders. Fence height 3’. Riders may not have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over at least eight (8) fences at 3’ in height with at least one change of direction.

NJPHA Gold Medal

(This award will not be offered in the 2026 show year.)

Linda Matreyek Memorial Trophy

Open to all junior riders. To be shown over a course of not less than eight (8) fences at or at 3’6” which must include a minimum of one combination, an oxer, & 2 changes of direction. One rider per horse.

Jumpers

NJPHA jumper classes may be combined providing fence height is within .10cmm, with the exception of Low and High Child/Adult Jumpers. They may only be combined with each other.

NJPHA Itty Bitty Jumper
Open to all horses & ponies who, as a horse & rider combination, have not won a total of $1000 in jumper classes as of December 1st of the current show year. Fences 2’3” in height. Combinations are optional.

NJPHA .80/.85m

Open to all horses and ponies. This award may be combined with the NJPHA .90/.95/1m Jumper Award at year end if not enough member participation.

NJPHA .90/.95/1m

Open to all horses and ponies and ponies. This award may be combined with the NJPHA .80/.85 Jumper Award at year end if not enough member participation.

NJPHA Junior/Amateur Jumpers

Open to horses or ponies ridden by junior or adult amateur riders. Low and High junior/Amateur Jumpers will be combined for one NJPHA year end award. USEF Zone 2 specifications will be used.

NJPHA Low Children’s/Adult Jumper

(This award will not be offered in the 2026 show year.)

Open to horses or ponies ridden by junior or adult amateur riders. Fences 3’3 in height, concurrent with USEF/USHJA Low Children/Adult jumper. Neither horse nor rider may compete in any classes at the same competition where fences exceed 3’6” in the1st round, except the USEF Talent Search. If at least 6 High Score Award winners have not met the annual requirements, awards may be combined with the High Children’s/Adult Jumper.

NJPHA High Children’s/Adult Jumper

(This award will not be offered in the 2026 show year.)

Open to horses or ponies ridden by junior or adult amateur riders. Neither horse nor rider may compete in any classes at the same competition where fences exceed 3’6” in the 1st round, except the USEF Talent Search. If at least 6 High Score Award winners have not met the annual requirements, awards will be combined with the Low Children’s/Adult Jumper.

Special Awards

Nominations must be received by NOVEMBER 15TH
Horseman of the Year
To be awarded at the discretion of the awards committee to a Professional member in good standing, who throughout the years has shown dedication & service to the aims & ideals for which the PHA was founded.
Maxine Best Junior Sportsmanship
To be awarded annually to a junior member of the NJPHA who has shown through their actions & manners, compassion for their horse and their fellow competitors & the entire horse show community and exhibited the finest qualities of good sportsmanship.
Bev Walter Adult Sportsmanship
To be awarded annually to an adult amateur member of the NJPHA who has shown through their actions & manners, compassion for their horse and their fellow competitors & the entire horse show community and exhibited the finest qualities of good sportsmanship.

Packer Hall of Fame

To be awarded annually to an older horse or pony, who has, over the years, proven itself to be a safe & talented animal by, year after year, guiding numerous riders safely through their early years of showing.